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International Schools in Shanghai (Puxi)

Expatriates moving to Shanghai must search through the limited information online and decipher which is the best school for their children. Most expats decide to look for schools that mirror their own country’s educational system. International schools in Shanghai offer expatriate families the choice of educating their child using various curriculums from different countries such as Britain, America, Germany, France, Holland, Korea, Japan and Singapore. Since Shanghai has such a large and vibrant international community, the city boasts a good number of international schools to choose from. Knowing about the schools is essential before you start searching for your Shanghai Apartment. To save you time and efforts Shanghai properties collected information about best International Schools in Shanghai. Here are some helpful insights.

The Shanghai American School is the largest international school in China. With over 3,200 students spread across two campuses, one of them is in Puxi. SAS is quite diverse with over 40 different nationalities represented in the student body. SAS offers an educational experience in line with American standards. Students at SAS are exposed to a rich academic environment and generally score well above average on standardized tests. More than 98% of SAS graduates go on to universities in the US and around the world.

Pros

SAS emphasize fostering well-rounded students by encouraging student involvement in enriching extracurricular activities. The facilities at SAS are known for being state of the art. The campuses include multiple black box theatres and performance centers that are known to house professional musical and theatre groups from China and around the world.

Chinese language programs are integrated into the curriculum ensuring that students have a working-knowledge of the local language.

Cons

1, Getting a spot at SAS is rather difficult and usually there is a wait list to get in at the Puxi campus.

Info

Tuition fees: $19,983-$31,798 USD/year

Curriculum: Advanced Placement courses (AP), American high school diploma, and IB Program.

The Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) has two campuses in Puxi area and enrolls around 600 students per campus, which as indicated by the school’s name really makes each campus a tight community! With over 60 nationalities represented in the student body, SCIS follows an American-based curriculum, while at the same time promoting a very strong international environment by exposing students to educational features from other countries. SCIS has a reputation for having one of the top athletic programs in Shanghai; SCIS’ basketball, volleyball, and football team have long winning streaks! SCIS also provides a large range of after school activities for students ranging from Model UN to choir groups. SCIS was voted by Shanghai Cityweekend as one of the top schools that build character in their students!

Pros

SCIS is recognized for having excellent Early Childhood Education Programs

SCIS strives to be a responsible institution by implementing efforts to foster a “green” campus and by actively engaging in community service projects.

Cons

Tuition costs for upper-year students are among the most expensive in Shanghai.

Info

Tuition fees: $13,888-$33,497

Curriculum: Advanced Placement courses (AP), American high school diploma, and IB program.

Livingston American School was established in 2001 as part of a former U.S. congressman’s mission to establish schools with American traditions in five cities around the world. As one of the newer international schools in Shanghai, Livingston American School’s enrollment is expanding every year. Livingston American School also offers a unique bilingual Korean and Japanese preschool option.

Pros

Offers a comprehensive ESL program for non-native speakers

As a new school, students benefit from small-class sizes and receive more individual attention from instructors.

Cons

While Livingston’s student body comes from all over the world, the majority of students attending are from a Korean background, making Livingston not as diverse as other international schools in Shanghai.

The British International School Shanghai is one of the most prestigious international schools in the city. BISS aims to keep ratios within 25% for any nationality, giving the school a very international feel. The sports, arts, and technology facilities are all first-rate, which allow students to participate in a wide-array of extracurricular programs. Graduates from BISS often matriculate to top universities in the western world.

Pros

BISS is considered to be one of the most accommodating schools for children with special needs.

BISS has a unique Dutch program where students can take one hour of Dutch per day!

Cons

BISS’s campus in Pudong is quite far and could be a hassle to reach for parents with children at other campuses.

The Shanghai Rego International School is located in Puxi and follows a British curriculum but also offers SAT testing for students. With the majority of students being non-native English speakers, Shanghai Rego International School provides extensive language programs in tangent with the school’s English-language structure. Students are given the option of participating in sports, arts, drama, and language activities outside of the classroom.

Pros

Only British-curriculum based school in Shanghai that offers SAT testing to students.

Offers a specialized language program that promotes the usage of students’ mother tongue, in tangent with taking classes in English. Languages included are: Dutch, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

Cons

In 2012, there was a scandal with Shanghai Rego International school’s teachers having illegal or no visas, which almost caused the school to shut down.

Info:

Tuition fees: $18,258-$29,832 USD/year

Curriculum: National Curriculum of England up to A-levels, IB Program, and IGCSE.

Are you spending half your day travelling to pick and drop junior? We wish you could spend this time with your close ones! There can be options carved for your need. Find your perfect home close to your little one’s school now. Drop in a line to us here. Let us help you in making this a reality. Alternatively call to Adrienne Farrelly directly 131 2281 0421.

The Eurocampus is located in Qingpu district and is composed of both the German and French school of Shanghai. Both schools have students from varying nationalities; however students must be proficient in either French or German in order to attend the schools. Both schools have extensive extracurricular programs and impressive arts and sports facilities. Both schools also offer students the opportunities to take academic and language courses in English and Chinese.

The Shanghai Japanese School provides a Japanese-based education, with the language of instruction being Japanese. The School predominantly caters to Japanese expats, with a few students from other Asian countries that are proficient in the Japanese language.

The Shanghai Korean School caters to the children of Korean expats in Shanghai and teaches based on the Korean education system. Students must be proficient in the Korean language, in order to attend this school.

Information regarding the different types of curriculum offered, and the difference between Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate is described in-depth here.

For a list of some of the concerns with International schools in Shanghai and problems that students face can be found here

Adrienne Farrelly is one of Shanghai’s most experienced expatriate Property Agents helping expats find new homes since 1994. You can reach her at +86 13122 810 421 or manager@shanghaiprops.com. Connect with her on Skype at shanghaiproperties8. Shanghai Properties